Data from the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey from 1992 to 2003 and merged Medicare claims data identified participants who received (n=131) or did not receive (n=257) THA. Outcomes were three measures of physical functioning: Nagi items, instrumental activities of daily living, and activities of daily living. Baseline and follow-up measures were obtained approximately 6 months apart. Logistic regression was used to predict the effects of THA on functioning, with a wide range of covariates controlled.

RESULTS

Persons who received THA significantly improved in two of three levels of physical functioning; the no-treatment group experienced declines in physical functioning.

CONCLUSION

Receipt of THA is associated with significant improvements in two levels of physical functioning. These benefits are broadly applicable in that a wide variety of covariates had minimal effects on THA receipt and outcome.